The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-01-13
Gen. J. A. Walker Speaks,


Alexandria Gazette last week in the VIR-
OMAN, in which it was stated that Gen.
James A. Walker had voted for Hon. III.
Bowen, the Republican candidate for
Congress in the 9th district, and the GEN
erals attention having been called to it by
the editor of the Wytheville Enterprise, be
presented that paper with letter. In it
he says he did not vote for Mr.. Bowen,
nor for any other candidate for Congress
last November. He further denies that
he is an aspirant for Congress row or at
any remote period, and statsa that he is not
a candidate for any other political posi-
ton. After reaching these conclusions
and further stating that he has not de-
nouneed the Democratic party, he proceeds
to locate himself on the debt question, and
the tariff and internal revenue issues. Of
the debt and the resulting litigation grow
ing out Of the legislation of the State, he
says:
Having failed befora the courts am in favor
of accepting the law as expounded by the
courts Of last resort. and yielding obedience.
sufficient reason that is the 1oao, and law is the
foundation on which rests the whole social
fabric i, To destroy the law is to destroy prop
1t is dangerous for political party to teach
contempt for. and encourage disobedience to
law. 1t invites mobOcracy and anarchy,
For these reasons am in favor of accepting
the decisions of the courts as conclusive Of the
ment of all debts taxes and demands due the
state'-sand receiving them in good falkland
ot aan The b and effect
be acceptable to them.
Thata fair and just settlement can be made
ity. Let us make that settlement and cease to
coquet with repud iafiOn, before we fall in love
with her seductive form.
Referring to the paragraph from the
Gazette and it's assignment to him &c pro-
tective views, the General says:
am "Proteetionistn This is true e and i1a an
not in accord with the Administration or a
majority Of the democratic party in Congress
believe that protection ia tie word which is
hidden mineral resources; the :sopen sas al our
which is 10 roll back the gates of our Yponn tns
and reveal the hidden wealth which lies be-
believein protection for the sake of protect
Ing Amerl caA industries from competition with
Free trade OF as :, our lanas
platform expresses II, tariff for revenue-W 18th
incidental protection means death to the de-
interests in Virginia, and the indefinite post-
ponement of that day of prosperity, which we
begun to dawn upon our cid State can have
no sympathy With tAOge Democrats who are in
favor Of a tariff for revenue. with incidental
protection" ana yet are even SO much Opposed
to even the poor pittance of "incidental pro-
teetion, that they are unwilling to repeal the
ciaentals will have to be added to the tariff. or
the duty Increased on iron ores or on some
other imported article.
Ench OrOfnntiOnfgta rN hiatt
traders, and tie mask they wear is too Thin to
deceive even the blind.
And logically following is this force.
full expression On the subject Of inter-
nal revenue:
The failure of the democratic party to keen
it's pledge to repeal the internal revenue laws,
which are justly so dstasteful to our people. is
another source OF discomfort. AS war meas
ure 1t should cease with the necessity which
istered as to make it odious; and none the less
SO, since its corps of officials has been changed
from Republicans tc Democrats.
These, Mr.. Editor, are my reasons for differ.
ing with my democratic BRETHREN and think
am only one of thousands of good democrats
By the last election for Congressmen-and who,
In future. vii support that candidate and that
they have ceased to regard party cries and
gether politically. They regard the business
interests and the business pursuits of the
country as infinitely more important to them
than the success of party measures OF of aspir-
ing candidates.
They are tired of politics and want rest from
political Excitement. and return of good feel
ing between neighbors, SO long estranged by
party strife. They want peace, prosperity and
happiness, and care not who rules the country
who is President or Governor-go they have
these coveted bOons.
sAThe party that will uphold the honor and
credit of Virginia, that will develop the re-
sources of the State. and bring capital and I'M
migration to her borders. will satisfy and secure
the support of the people.
The candidate who, forgetting the animOsf-
ties and dissensions OF the past, 10 ready to CO.
operate with all good men OF all sections and
all parties to build UP our waste places, and
labor for the good Of the people Of all classes.
irreEpaotiye OF section. nationality or race.
viii secure the support of majority of both
parties In Virginia.
In short old party lines and preiudices are
crumbling away-and with the burial of the
bloody shirt and the division OF the colored
vote, the white people of the South breathe
free once 1aore, and are ready to divide on
questions OF finance. of tariff, and other ques-
lions of political economy.-Without the over
Swallowing fear of great social evils, which rem
dered all other questions secondary-and made
the ssolid aouths a necessity, not o choice.
JAMES A. WALKER.